Crunchy Creamy Apple Walnut Fruit Salad: A Refreshing Bowl (Print Version)

Whip up a delightful Creamy Apple Walnut Fruit Salad! This easy recipe combines crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a dreamy dressing for a refreshing treat.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Crisp Foundation

01 - 2 medium Red Apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and chopped
02 - 1 medium Tart Green Apple (like Granny Smith), cored and chopped
03 - 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
04 - 1 cup red grapes, halved

→ Creamy Dressing

05 - 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
06 - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
07 - 2 tablespoons honey (or to taste)
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - Pinch of salt

→ Crunchy Toppings

11 - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and lightly toasted

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, wash all your fruit really well. Then, core and chop those apples into bite-sized pieces. I don’t bother peeling them; the skin adds color and extra fiber! Slice your celery thinly. Honestly, don't stress about perfect cubes or anything; rustic is charming, especially when you’re just whipping up a quick Creamy Apple Walnut Fruit Salad. I usually aim for pieces that are easy to fork.
02 - Next up, halve your red grapes. This makes them easier to eat and releases a bit more of their juicy sweetness into the salad. For the walnuts, I like to quickly toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until they smell fragrant. This step is a game-changer for flavor, I promise! Just watch them closely; I've burnt a batch or two in my day, and that's not fun.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, fresh lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and that little pinch of salt. Give it a good whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust the sweetness or tang. Sometimes my apples are sweeter, so I go lighter on the honey. It's all about finding *your* balance here.
04 - Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, gently combine your chopped apples, sliced celery, and halved grapes. Pour that dreamy dressing over the fruit mixture. Add about two-thirds of your toasted walnuts now, saving some for garnish. Use a spatula to fold everything together carefully, making sure every piece of fruit gets coated in that luscious dressing. Don't overmix, or your apples might get bruised!
05 - Once everything is nicely mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let your Creamy Apple Walnut Fruit Salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is important, honestly. It allows all those lovely flavors to meld together and for the dressing to really get to know the fruit. I’ve tried to eat it right away, and it’s good, but after chilling? It's even better.
06 - When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge. Give it another gentle stir. Sprinkle the remaining toasted walnuts over the top for that extra crunch and pretty presentation. I sometimes add a little extra dusting of cinnamon too, just for aesthetics. This Creamy Apple Walnut Fruit Salad should look bright, vibrant, and inviting, smelling faintly of sweet apples and warm cinnamon. Enjoy every refreshing bite!

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh lemon juice; it prevents browning and brightens the whole salad. I learned this the hard way with sad, brown apples.
02 - Don't skip the chilling time. It lets the flavors meld and makes the Creamy Apple Walnut Fruit Salad so much more refreshing.
03 - Taste your dressing before mixing! Adjust honey or lemon to suit your preference and the sweetness of your apples.
04 - Toasting the walnuts really makes a difference in flavor; it's a small step with a big reward!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowls
02 - whisk
03 - cutting board
04 - sharp knife
05 - measuring cups and spoons
06 - spatula
07 - dry skillet (for toasting walnuts)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250-300
Total Fat: 18-22g
Total Carbohydrate: 20-25g
Protein: 3-5g

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